Lawyer and 2014 National Conference member, Goddy Uwazuruike, has warned that Nigeria risks destruction if the culture of “strongman politics” persists.

Speaking on Channels Television on Thursday, Uwazuruike said governance in the past decade has been dominated by the strongman mentality, unlike the more balanced eras of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan.

“In those years, the executive and opposition thrived. Today, almost everyone in the opposition has crossed to the ruling party because of the strongman syndrome. Whatever the President wants, he gets. Nobody dares say, ‘No, Mr. President,’” he stated.

Citing Rivers State as an example, Uwazuruike argued that institutions have been weakened under this style of governance. “He will go to Rivers and tell the governor to step aside, and everyone obeys. Our judiciary, our legislature—what has happened?” he asked.

He described Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure as a major disappointment, saying the “general” image collapsed under insecurity and economic hardship. Uwazuruike added that President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda has worsened living costs and insecurity.

“As long as strongman politics continues, Nigeria is headed in the wrong direction,” he warned.